ASC's Intersections Newsletter — August 15th, 2024
Nora’s Note
Bringing the energy. Intersections is back this week, and the energy is up and running! As New York continues to lead the way in the clean energy transition, opportunities are opening across the renewables industry. Energy suppliers and developers are seeking to build up supply chains and forge partnerships, and minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses are filling key needs around the country, from community engagement to contracting to supply. On September 17th, Equinor and Empire Wind will host a Day of Opportunity in Action for Minority/Women/Veteran- Owned Small Businesses in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The event will provide networking sessions, mentoring opportunities, free business assessments and consultations, and a chance to get ahead in New York’s fast emerging offshore wind industry. Let’s keep the energy going!
Transportation
City Council set to approve Bronx Metro-North rezoning to build housing around new stations. A proposal to build over 7,000 housing units in the eastern Bronx is expected to be approved, leveraging the new Metro-North Penn Station Access project. This initiative will introduce four new stations to a historically underserved area. A quarter of the new homes will be for households earning 60% of the local median income, including investments in local infrastructure. Read more about Penn Access and the efforts to enhance this part of New York City. (Source: AMNY)
GovTech: U.S. Shared Micromobility Ridership Grows, With Fewer Devices
Mass Transit: MassDOT awards $.65 million in shared streets and spaces grants
Streetsblog NYC: New Yorkers Want Big Rigs Out Of Their Neighborhoods
Climate
Biden admin announces $2.2B in grants to boost US power grid. A significant $2.2 billion investment has been announced, supporting eight projects across 18 states. These initiatives aim to expand grid capacity, enhance resilience, and accelerate the integration of clean energy sources. Highlights include the North Plains Connector, which will create a vital high-voltage link between the Western and Eastern U.S. grids, and the Power Up New England project, which will receive power from offshore wind. Read more about the progress to a clean energy future. (Source: Canary Media)
Energy News Network: Indigenous solar consultant works to ensure responsible development in communities scarred by fossil fuels
PBN: R.I. launches rebate program to increase residential EV infrastructure
Smart Cities Dive: Thermal energy networks can slash water use in buildings, study shows
Economic Development
NYS program aims to get $650 million out to “pro-housing” communities. New York Governor Kathy Hochul launched the $650 million Pro-Housing Communities Program to address rising home prices and the affordable housing crisis. Localities that increase housing stock or commit to pro-housing principles can qualify for certification and access to these funds. The initiative, highlighted by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, aims to diversify housing options and improve affordability by boosting housing supply. Read more about how this program tackles housing challenges in New York. (Source: WAMC.org)
CNN: Mortgage rates plunge to lowest level in more than a year
Associated Press: The Small Business Administration expands clean energy loan program
WESA: New state funding available to revitalize sites from Pittsburgh’s industrial past
Digital
States work to make digital services accessible for all. Governments are enhancing digital services to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, prompted by a new federal ADA rule. The rule requires compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and states are at different stages in implementation. Efforts include hiring digital accessibility leaders, integrating accessibility into development processes, and providing training. Read more about the goal to ensure all digital services are usable by everyone, with varying timelines depending on jurisdiction size. (Source: GovTech)
Forbes: After The Big AI Correction, Private Enterprise AI May Blossom
Utility Dive: AI could halt energy use growth in US buildings
Axios: Neurodivergent workers' AI edge
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